Modification Of Function Research Articles

Teaching approach for deep reinforcement learning of robotic strategies

AbstractThis paper presents the development of a teaching approach for Reinforcement Learning (RL) for students at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana. The approach is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, approaches, and algorithms of RL through examples and experiments in both simulation environments and on a real robot. The approach includes practical programs written in Python and presents various RL algorithms. The Q‐learning algorithm is introduced and a deep Q network is implemented to introduce the use of neural networks in deep RL. The software is user‐friendly and allows easy modification of learning parameters, reward functions, and algorithms. The approach was tested successfully on a Franka Emika Panda robot, where the robot manipulator learned to move to a randomly generated target position, shoot a real ball into the goal, and push various objects into target position. The goal of the presented teaching approach is to serve as a study aid for future generations of students of robotics to help them better understand the basic concepts of RL and apply them to a wide variety of problems.

Lithium-Ion battery silicon Anodes: Surface engineering with novel additives for enhanced ion and electron transport

Silicon (Si) stands as a promising candidate for high-capacity anode materials in the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to extremely high specific capacity. However, silicon application is hindered by its inherently poor electron and ion conductivities, as well as structural instability during the repeated charging/discharging. To address these challenges, a novel functional surface modification agent, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic) acid (DTPMP), was decorated on the surface of silicon particles for the first time. The experimental results demonstrate that the DTPMP effectively enhances the cohesion between nano Si particles. This study combines experimental observations with theoretical calculations to analyze the nucleophilic and electrophilic sites of DTPMP and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), elucidating the existence state of DTPMP on the nano Si surface. Furthermore, by examining the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), along with the electrostatic potential (ESP) of DTPMP and solvent molecules in conjunction with Li+, the impact of the phosphate group on the diffusion of Li+ and electrons at the nano Si surface was studied. The electron density difference (EDD) maps for DTPMP and CMC reveal that DTPMP exhibits a more pronounced response in the presence of an electric field, suggesting its enhanced role in facilitating Li+ diffusion. This research offers a novel perspective on enhancing the electrochemical performance of nano Si surfaces, paving the way for the development of advanced LIBs with improved energy storage capabilities.

Gold Nanoclusters Whose Photoluminescent Properties are Dynamically Tunable by Modulating the Assembly Pathway Complexity.

Modulating the assembly pathway is an indispensable strategy for optimizing the performance of optical materials. However, implementing this strategy is nontrivial for metal nanocluster building blocks, due to the limited functional modification of nanoclusters and complexity of their emission mechanism. In this report, we demonstrate that a gold nanocluster modified by 4,6-diamino-2-pyrimidinethiol (DPT-AuNCs) self-assembles into two distinct aggregation structures in methanol (MeOH)/water mixed solvent, thus exhibiting pathway complexity. Kinetic studies show that DPT-AuNCs firstly assembles into non-luminescent nanofibers (kinetically controlled), which further transforms into strongly luminescent microflowers (thermodynamically controlled). In-depth analysis of the assembly mechanism reveals that the transformation of aggregation structures involves the disassembly of nanofibers and a subsequent nucleation-growth process. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) measurements reveal that inter-cluster hydrogen bonding bridged by solvent molecules and C-H⋅⋅⋅π interaction are the key factors for emission enhancement. The photoluminescent property of DPT-AuNCs can be controlled by varying the cosolvent in water, enabling DPT-AuNCs to distinguish different kind of alcohols, particularly the isomerism n-propanol (NPA) and isopropanol (IPA). Additionally, the addition of seeds effectively regulate the assembly kinetics of DPT-AuNCs. This study advances our understanding of assembly pathways and improves the luminescent performance of nanoclusters (NCs).

Plasmodesmata dynamics in bryophyte model organisms: secondary formation and developmental modifications of structure and function

Main conclusionDeveloping bryophytes differentially modify their plasmodesmata structure and function. Secondary plasmodesmata formation via twinning appears to be an ancestral trait. Plasmodesmata networks in hornwort sporophyte meristems resemble those of angiosperms.All land-plant taxa use plasmodesmata (PD) cell connections for symplasmic communication. In angiosperm development, PD networks undergo an extensive remodeling by structural and functional PD modifications, and by postcytokinetic formation of additional secondary PD (secPD). Since comparable information on PD dynamics is scarce for the embryophyte sister groups, we investigated maturating tissues of Anthoceros agrestis (hornwort), Physcomitrium patens (moss), and Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort). As in angiosperms, quantitative electron microscopy revealed secPD formation via twinning in gametophytes of all model bryophytes, which gives rise to laterally adjacent PD pairs or to complex branched PD. This finding suggests that PD twinning is an ancient evolutionary mechanism to adjust PD numbers during wall expansion. Moreover, all bryophyte gametophytes modify their existing PD via taxon-specific strategies resembling those of angiosperms. Development of type II-like PD morphotypes with enlarged diameters or formation of pit pairs might be required to maintain PD transport rates during wall thickening. Similar to angiosperm leaves, fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching revealed a considerable reduction of the PD permeability in maturating P. patens phyllids. In contrast to previous reports on monoplex meristems of bryophyte gametophytes with single initials, we observed targeted secPD formation in the multi-initial basal meristems of A. agrestis sporophytes. Their PD networks share typical features of multi-initial angiosperm meristems, which may hint at a putative homologous origin. We also discuss that monoplex and multi-initial meristems may require distinct types of PD networks, with or without secPD formation, to control maintenance of initial identity and positional signaling.

Backbone-Determined Antiarrhythmic Structure-Activity Relationships for a Mirror Image, Oligomeric Depsipeptide Natural Product.

Cyclic oligomeric depsipeptides (COD) are a structural class within naturally occurring compounds with a wide range of biological activity. Verticilide is a COD (24-membered ring) that was identified by its inhibition of insect ryanodine receptor (RyR). We have since found that the enantiomer of verticilide (ent-verticilide, 1) is a potent inhibitor of mammalian RyR2, a cardiac calcium channel, and therefore a potential antiarrhythmic agent. Oddly, nat-verticilide does not inhibit RyR2. To further develop ent-verticilide as an antiarrhythmic, we explored potential SAR through systematic modification of the ester's functionality to both N-H and N-Me amides. The syntheses of these ent-verticilide-inspired analogs are detailed using a monomer-based platform enabled by enantioselective catalysis. Two analogs among 23 exhibited measurable reduction of calcium sparks in a functional assay of RyR2 activity. These findings illustrate the value of natural product-inspired therapeutic development, but the less-studied approach where the non-natural enantiomeric series harbors important SAR.

Can Doped-MXene-Based Supercapacitors Be the Game-Changer for Future Energy Landscape? A Critical Perspective.

MXene has attracted considerable attention for supercapacitor applications in the past decade owing to its exceptional electrochemical properties. Although major research interests are focused on composite-based MXene, doping engineering of MXene has recently emerged as a promising alternative. This work unveils the potential of doped MXene for supercapacitor applications with a critical perspective. Various doping engineering strategies and synthesis methods adopted are explicitly delineated. Detailed discussions on the optimization of lattice, functionalization, substitution, and interface modification are provided. Further, it sheds light on recent developments with the asssociated mechanism of doped MXene supercapacitors, followed by the associated challenges. Finally, a roadmap for further progress of doped MXene for the realization of advanced and high-performing energy storage systems has been described. We envision that this Perspective will open up new avenues for the further exploration of this domain.

P-477 Associations between maternal early pregnancy depression and longitudinal fetal growth

Abstract Study question Does maternal depression during early pregnancy affect fetal growth? Summary answer Maternal depression during early pregnancy is associated with increased fetal biometrics, higher birth weight, and also an elevated risk of macrosomia. What is known already Prenatal depression, a prevalent psychological condition occurring during pregnancy, affects approximately 7% to 25% of pregnant women. According to the developmental origins of health and disease theory, intrauterine adverse exposure, such as malnutrition and prenatal depression, may exert long-term effects by altering placental function and epigenetic modification. Growing evidence from epidemiologic studies has shown that maternal depression during mid-to-late stages of pregnancy may be associated with reduced fetal growth. However, the effect of depression may vary depending on the timing of intrauterine exposure. For early pregnancy depression, there is a limited number of studies examining its association with fetal growth. Study design, size, duration Prospective evaluation of the associations of maternal depression during early pregnancy with fetal growth and neonatal outcomes in 23,465 mothers. The study was conducted at a hospital-based center in Shanghai, China. The mothers were enrolled between March 2019 to April 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for prenatal depression before 14 weeks’ gestational weeks. Fetal ultrasound parameters, including abdominal circumference(AC), head circumference(HC), femur length(FL),and humerus length(HL), along with birth outcomes were obtained from medical records. Estimated fetal weight(EFW) was calculated using the Hadlock formula. Differences in fetal growth trajectory of different maternal depressive statuses during three periods (16-23, 24-31, and 32-41 gestational weeks) were compared using a multilevel model with fractional polynomials. Main results and the role of chance In this prospective cohort study, maternal depressive symptoms affected 20402(13%) pregnant women during early pregnancy. Overall, compared to women without depressive symptoms, those with depressive symptoms during early pregnancy had higher longitudinal fetal trajectories, with an estimated increase in EFW (β = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.06-0.61), AC (β = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29), HL (β = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.23), FL (β = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.25) and HL(β = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.27). Stratified by different gestational periods, the increments in HC (β = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.26), HL (β = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.38) and EFW (β = 0.60; 95% CI, 025-0.96) of women with depressive symptoms commenced after 32 weeks of gestational age and FL started after 24 gestational weeks (β = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.42 [24-31 weeks] and β = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.31 [32-41 weeks]). Notably, increases in AC among women with depressive symptoms were observed during 16-23 gestational weeks (β = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.04-0.39). What’s more, offspring born to mothers with early pregnancy depression had a significantly higher birth weight of 14.13g (95% CI, 1.33-27.81 g) and an increased risk of macrosomia (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43). Limitations, reasons for caution A self-reported scale was used to assess the mental status of pariticipants, potentially introducing measurement bias. What’s more, long-term effects of early pregnancy depression on offspring were not explored due to the limited duration of follow-up thus far. Wider implications of the findings It may be necessary to reconsider the timing of prenatal depression screening and implement preventive measures during early pregnancy to mitigate excessive fetal growth. Further studies are warranted to validate the findings and supplement more biological evidence. Trial registration number not applicable

Synthesis and characterization of novel histidine functionalized chitosan nanoformulations and its bioactivity in tomato plant

The use of novel active ingredients for the functional modification of chitosan nanoformulations has attracted global attention. In this study, chitosan has been functionalized via histidine to craft novel chitosan–histidine nanoformulation (C–H NF) using ionic gelation method. C–H NF exhibited elite physico-biochemical properties, influencing physiological and biochemical dynamics in Tomato. These elite properties include homogenous-sized nanoparticles (314.4 nm), lower PDI (0.218), viscosity (1.43 Cps), higher zeta potential (11.2 mV), nanoparticle concentration/ml (3.53 × 108), conductivity (0.046 mS/cm), encapsulation efficiency (53%), loading capacity (24%) and yield (32.17%). FTIR spectroscopy revealed histidine interaction with C–H NF, while SEM and TEM exposed its porous structure. Application of C–H NF to Tomato seedling and potted plants through seed treatment and foliar spray positively impacts growth parameters, antioxidant-defense enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and chlorophyll and nitrogen content. We claim that the histidine-functionalized chitosan nanoformulation enhances physico-biochemical properties, highlighting its potential to elevate biochemical and physiological processes of Tomato plant.

Three paradoxes related to the mode of action of pramipexole: The path from D2/D3 dopamine receptor stimulation to modification of dopamine-modulated functions.

Pramipexole, a D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist, is used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, caused by degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. There are three paradoxes associated with its mode of action. Firstly, stimulation of D2/D3 receptors leads to neuronal inhibition, although pramipexole does not inhibit but promotes some dopamine-modulated functions, such as locomotion and reinforcement. Secondly, another dopamine-modulated function, arousal, is not promoted but inhibited by pramipexole, leading to sedation. Thirdly, pramipexole-evoked sedation is associated with an increase in pupil diameter, although sedation is expected to cause pupil constriction. To resolve these paradoxes, the path from stimulation of D2/D3 receptors to the modification of dopamine-modulated functions has been tracked. The functions considered are modulated by midbrain dopaminergic nuclei: locomotion - substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reinforcement/motivation - ventral tegmental area (VTA), sympathetic activity (as reflected in pupil function) - VTA; arousal - ventral periaqueductal grey (vPAG), with contributions from VTA and SNc. The application of genetics-based molecular techniques (optogenetics and chemogenetics) has enabled tracing the chains of neurones from the dopaminergic nuclei to their final targets executing the functions. The functional neuronal circuits linked to the D2/D3 receptors in the dorsal and ventral striata, stimulated by inputs from SNc and VTA, respectively, may explain how neuronal inhibition induced by pramipexole is translated into the promotion of locomotion, reinforcement/motivation and sympathetic activity. As the vPAG may increase arousal mainly by stimulating cortical D1 dopamine receptors, pramipexole would stimulate only presynaptic D2/D3 receptors on vPAG neurones, curtailing their activity and leading to sedation.

Dapagliflozin Effects on Cardiac Deformation in HeartFailure and Secondary Clinical Outcome.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors were shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. This study aims to assess potential effects of dapagliflozin in nondiabetic patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) on cardiac function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This randomized, prospective, single-center, open-label trial compared consecutive nondiabetic outpatients with HFrEF or HFmrEF receiving dapagliflozin with patients treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT) except sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors. Primary endpoint was the presence of a significant modification of left ventricular global longitudinal strain, diastolic function (as peak atrial longitudinal strain) and right ventricular function by STE from baseline to 6months. Cardiovascular events and parameters of congestion were assessed as safety-exploratory endpoints. Overall, 88 patients (38% HFmrEF) were enrolled and randomized to start dapagliflozin on top of OMT (n=44) or to continue with OMT (n=44). All STE values improved in the dapagliflozin group after 6months, whereas there was a nonsignificant improvement in OMT group. Moreover, when comparing the modification of STE parameters at follow-up in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF, only the main treatment effect resulted statistically significant in both groups (P< 0.0001), indicating a significant difference between dapagliflozin and OMT. This study provided randomized data on the beneficial effect of dapagliflozin in nondiabetic patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF in terms of myocardial performance measured by the most sensitive echocardiographic technique, ie, STE. This suggests its usefulness for left ventricular reverse remodeling and better quality of life in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF. (Effects of Dapagliflozin on cardiac deformation and clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction [DAPA ECHO trial]; EudraCT number: 2021-005394-66).

Functional and structural modification of polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotubes composite fibers

This research was based on the synthesis of new materials with capacitive properties and low cost, seeking efficient energy storage, through the manufacture and characterization of composite materials of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes with carboxyl group (MWCNTs-COOH) (1 %) for electrodes. Forcespinning and electrospinning techniques were used to develop composite fiber films and compare the physical structure of the fibers and its influence on their capacitive properties. These samples were characterized by SEM, FESEM, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The characterization of the composites makes evident the structural modification that the material underwent after the treatments. The electrochemical parameters were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), with the samples immersed in H2SO4 1 M as electrolyte. The PVA/MWCNTs-COOH composites with thermal treatment (340 °C) showed a considerable decrease in total impedance of up to 6 orders of magnitude (124 Ω) with respect to the blank sample (2.3 × 108 Ω), as a function of the immersion time in the acid solution. As well as, an increase in the specific capacitance of up to 8 orders of magnitude (1.01×10−2 F cm−2) with respect to the blank sample (5.07 × 10−10 F cm−2) for the composite manufactured by the electrospinning technique. The obtaining of fibers with directionality as a result of the forcespinning technique, the highly crossed network observed by electrospinning and the electrochemical properties shown by the structural modification of PVA/MWCNTs-COOH composite, make it, a material with potential technological applications such as electrode in electrochemical capacitors.

Bismuth oxychloride nanosheets anchored aramid separator with sponge-like structure for improved lithium-ion battery performance

Functional modification of inorganic particles is an effective approach to tackle the issue of Li+ transport and the lithium dendrites formation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, PMIA/BiOCl composite separators are prepared by nonsolvent induce phase separation (NIPS) method using P-type semiconductor bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) functionalized poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) separators. Compared with the polypropylene (PP) separator, PMIA has superior thermal stability and the addition of BiOCl further enhances its flame retardancy. And the prepared PMIA/BiOCl separator presents improved porosity (66.47 %), enhanced electrolyte uptake rate (863 %) and higher ionic conductivity (0.49 mS∙cm−1). Besides, the incorporation of BiOCl can anchor PF6- to the three-dimensional network skeleton of the PMIA/BiOCl separators, enabling the desolvation of Li+ and selectively facilitating Li+ transport (the Li+ transfer number is 0.79). Moreover, the uniform porous structure of the PMIA/BiOCl separators and the efficient transport of Li+ uniformly deposite Li+, and minimize the growth of lithium dendrites. Batteries assembled with PMIA/BiOCl separators have a discharge specific capacity of 124.4 mAh∙g−1 and capacity retention of 96.7 % after 200 cycles at 0.2C. Therefore, this work provides an effective route in the design strategy of separators for LIBs.

Jacobian-scaled K-means clustering for physics-informed segmentation of reacting flows

This work introduces Jacobian-scaled K-means (JSK-means) clustering, which is a physics-informed clustering strategy centered on the K-means framework. The method allows for the injection of underlying physical knowledge into the clustering procedure through a distance function modification: instead of leveraging conventional Euclidean distance vectors, the JSK-means procedure operates on distance vectors scaled by matrices obtained from dynamical system Jacobians evaluated at the cluster centroids. The goal of this work is to show how the JSK-means algorithm – without modifying the input dataset – produces clusters that capture regions of dynamical similarity, in that the clusters are redistributed towards high-sensitivity regions in phase space and are described by similarity in the source terms of samples instead of the samples themselves. The algorithm is demonstrated on a complex reacting flow simulation dataset (a channel detonation configuration), where the dynamics in the thermochemical composition space are known through the highly nonlinear and stiff Arrhenius-based chemical source terms. Interpretations of cluster partitions in both physical space and composition space reveal how JSK-means shifts clusters produced by standard K-means towards regions of high chemical sensitivity (e.g., towards regions of peak heat release rate near the detonation reaction zone). The findings presented here illustrate the benefits of utilizing Jacobian-scaled distances in clustering techniques, and the JSK-means method in particular displays promising potential for improving former partition-based modeling strategies in reacting flow (and other multi-physics) applications.

Vascular remodelling in cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, oxidation, and inflammation.

Optimal vascular structure and function are essential for maintaining the physiological functions of the cardiovascular system. Vascular remodelling involves changes in vessel structure, including its size, shape, cellular and molecular composition. These changes result from multiple risk factors and may be compensatory adaptations to sustain blood vessel function. They occur in diverse cardiovascular pathologies, from hypertension to heart failure and atherosclerosis. Dynamic changes in the endothelium, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, pericytes or other vascular wall cells underlie remodelling. In addition, immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes, may infiltrate vessels and initiate inflammatory signalling. They contribute to a dynamic interplay between cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix reorganisation, all critical mechanisms of vascular remodelling. Molecular pathways underlying these processes include growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor), inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α), reactive oxygen species, and signalling pathways, such as Rho/ROCK, MAPK, and TGF-β/Smad, related to nitric oxide and superoxide biology. MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs are crucial epigenetic regulators of gene expression in vascular remodelling. We evaluate these pathways for potential therapeutic targeting from a clinical translational perspective. In summary, vascular remodelling, a coordinated modification of vascular structure and function, is crucial in cardiovascular disease pathology.

Structure–Function Relationship and Stability of Latroeggtoxin‐VI: A Proteinaceous Toxin From the Eggs of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus

ABSTRACTLatroeggtoxin‐VI (LETX‐VI), a peptide toxin discovered from the eggs of spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, was previously shown to promote the synthesis and release of dopamine in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, showing potential applications in the neurobiology and medicine. To further understand the structure and properties of LETX‐VI, the key residues were identified and their roles in the structure, function, and stability of LETX‐VI were analyzed in the present work. Based on the protein molecular docking, our previous work, and the relevant literature, the potential key residues of LETX‐VI were selected and identified by alanine‐scanning mutagenesis. The wild‐type LETX‐VI and its 13 mutants, including a double mutant, were prepared by gene cloning and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, followed by activity, structure, and stability determination. The results demonstrated that the activity of the mutants K25A, R35A, K40A/R41A, and L45A, particularly R35A, to promote dopamine release from PC12 cells was significantly decreased compared with that of the wild‐type LETX‐VI, indicating that these mutated residues are the key residues. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis showed that the secondary structure of these mutants was not obviously different from that of wild‐type LETX‐VI, suggesting that mutation‐caused decrease in the activity of LETX‐VI is due to the changes in the binding site on the molecule surface, rather than the abnormal alternation of the molecular conformation of LETX‐VI. Acetonitrile (ACN) did not obviously influence the activity of LETX‐VI; however, 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) treatment for 2 h significantly reduced its activity. Treatment with weakly acidic and basic buffers (pH ≥ 6.6) for 12 h was favorable for LETX‐VI and R35A to exert their activity. Higher temperatures (&gt;37°C) decreased the activity of both wild‐type LETX‐VI and R35A. In conclusion, K25, R35, K40, R41, and L45 particularly R35 are the important functional site residues; during experiments, care should be taken to avoid the adverse influence of strong acid and high temperature on LETX‐VI. These observations have enhanced our understanding of the structure and properties of LETX‐VI and provided references for the subsequent modification of structure and function of LETX‐VI.

Tailoring amino-functionalized cellulose separators for improved lithium-ion battery performance

This study aims to enhance cellulose separators for energy storage, focusing on achieving high security and superior electrolyte wetting properties. Bacterial cellulose (BC) separators were initially prepared via vacuum filtration. Subsequently, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) underwent amino-functionalization by successfully cross-linking polyethyleneimine (PEI) using glutaraldehyde. The amino-functionalized CMC was then composited onto the BC separator. This composite separator demonstrated excellent thermal stability at 200 °C and favorable electrolyte wetting. The amino groups in PEI enhanced Li+ migration by forming hydrogen bonds with PF6− in the electrolyte. Additionally, molecular-level hydrogen bonding between amino groups on PEI and carboxyl/hydroxyl groups in CMC regulated the separator's porosity. The abundant carboxyl groups in CMC facilitated Li+ transfer, notably boosting the lithium-ion battery's electrochemical performance. After 90 charge and discharge cycles, the discharge capacity of the battery assembled with BC/CMC-PEI composite separator is 132.8 mAh/g, which is 25.1 % higher than the 106.1 mAh/g of the battery assembled with traditional PP separator. At a current density of 2C, the minimum discharge capacity of the battery assembled with the composite separator is 71.1 mAh/g, while the minimum discharge capacity of the battery assembled with the PP separator is 53.6 mAh/g. This approach using functional group modification provides a promising approach to improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Strong and antistatic biomass adhesive for wood-based composites with electrostatic discharge protection function

Soybean protein adhesive, as an aldehyde-free biomass adhesive, has gained significant attention as an environmentally friendly material in recent years. It not only aligns with the objectives of the double carbon strategy but also contributes to the environmental protection strategy of reducing carbon emissions. And the functional modification of soybean protein adhesive and its wood composite hold great importance in expanding its application domains and meeting specialized requirements. This research focused on developing a robust, antistatic adhesive derived from soy protein as an alternative to formaldehyde-based resins, which represents a critical path in the advancement of wood-based composites that are free from formaldehyde and possess functional properties. However, ensuring the bonding strength of soy protein adhesive while developing antistatic adhesives and their wood-based composite materials is of great research value and challenge. Inspired by the organic-inorganic hybrid structure, this study aimed to prepare a strong and durable soy protein adhesive with excellent mechanical strength and multifunctionality by using a self-synthesized crosslinking agent called AP and the loaded two-dimensional MXene, which was stabilized in a dispersion of nanocellulose (CNC). The dry and wet shear strength of the resulting adhesive increased by 103.8 % and 113.8 % to 2.21 MPa and 1.24 MPa, indicating the stable crosslinking structure formed in adhesive system by the covalent bond between self-synthesized crosslinking agent AP and the carboxyl groups on proteins, as well as the hydrogen bond interactions between C-M and the proteins. Furthermore, the adhesive exhibited significant antistatic and self-extinguishing properties, with the particleboard modified by adhesive SPI/C-M/AP having a resistivity of 9.212 × 1011 Ω cm. The resistivity decreased with increasing MXene content, providing potential applications for places such as school computer rooms and factory electronic equipment rooms. This breakthrough in multifunctional biomass-based adhesives and composite materials enriches the preparation of new types of biomaterials with antistatic and flame retardant properties.

Advances in MXene surface functionalization modification strategies for CO2 reduction.

MXenes, 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, show great potential in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) applications owing to their tunable structure, abundant surface functional groups, large specific surface area and remarkable conductivity. However, the ECO2RR has a complex pathway involving various reaction intermediates. The reaction process yields various products alongside a competitive electrolytic water-splitting reaction. These factors limit the application of MXenes in ECO2RRs. Therefore, this review begins by examining the functionalized modification of MXenes to enhance their catalytic activity and stability via the regulation of interactions between carriers and the catalytic centre. The review firstly covers the synthesis methods and characterisation techniques for functionalized MXenes reported in recent years. Secondly, it presents the methods applied for the functionalized modification of carriers through surface loading of single atoms, clusters, and nanoparticles and construction of composites. These methods regulate the stability, active sites, and metal-carrier electronic interactions. Finally, the article discusses the challenges, opportunities, pressing issues, and future prospects related to MXene-based electrocatalysts.

Oxygen-functionalized Fe3O4@o-polypyrrole acting as high-efficiency oxidase mimics and their application in glutathione colorimetric sensing

The enzyme-like properties of nanozymes may be considerably affected by the structure and surface groups, which thus need to be optimized. Here, through a simple NaOH chemical corrosion method, the chemical structure similar to N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), which possessed intrinsic oxidase-like activity, was introduced into polypyrrole (PPy), and then this nanomaterial became oxygen-functionalized PPy (o-PPy) with excellent oxidase-like activity from PPy without this property. Furthermore, after compounding magnetic Fe3O4, the obtained nanocomposites Fe3O4@o-PPy nanoparticles (Fe3O4@o-PPy NPs) showed superiorities in separation during synthesis and real-time control of enzyme catalysis. Studies have found that the enzymatic activity of Fe3O4@o-PPy NPs depended on the amount of functionalized oxygen and the conjugation extent of o-PPy. Fe3O4@o-PPy NPs had efficient oxidase-like activity under a wide range of pH and temperature. Based on the oxidase-like activity of Fe3O4@o-PPy NPs, a colorimetric sensor for glutathione (GSH), which presented rich color changes and satisfactory colorimetric resolution by adding the amaranth, was realized. We believe that the functional modification and structural regulation of PPy can not only realize its wider application but also promote the discovery of novel and efficient nanozymes.

Oxygen-Mediated (0D) Cs4PbX6 Formation during Open-Air Thermal Processing Improves Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cell Performance.

The desire to commercialize perovskite solar cells continues to mount, motivating the development of scalable production. Evaluations of the impact of open-air processing have revealed a variety of physical changes in the fabricated devices─with few changes having the capacity to be functionalized. Here, we highlight the beneficial role of ambient oxygen during the open-air thermal processing of metastable γ-CsPbI3-based perovskite thin films and devices. Physiochemical-sensitive probes elucidate oxygen intercalation and the formation of Pb-O bonds in the CsPbI3 crystal, entering via iodine vacancies at the surface, creating superoxide (O2-) through electron transfer reactions with molecular oxygen, which drives the formation of a zero-dimensional Cs4PbI6 capping layer during annealing (>330 °C). The chemical conversion permanently alters the film structure, helping to shield the subsurface perovskite from moisture and introduces lattice anchoring sites, stabilizing otherwise unstable γ-CsPbI3 films. This functional modification is demonstrated in γ-CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells, boosting the operational stability and photoconversion efficiency of champion devices from 12.7 to 15.4% when annealed in dry air. Such findings prompt a reconsideration of glovebox-based perovskite solar cell research and establish a scenario where device fabrication can in fact greatly benefit from ambient oxygen.